Houston Texans Football: Defensive End Mario Williams a True Team Player

Houston Texans' Pro Bowl defensive end Mario Williams may be the biggest team player in the history of sports.

In a world where fans are constantly drawn into contract disputes and holdouts where players claim “it’s not about the money,” the NFL’s top free agent may possibly be the first to mean it.

In a report by John McClain of the Ultimate Texans blog, Williams stated the following:

I'm not worried about that. It's really not that big of a deal to me. I was the first pick (in 2006), and I've already had everything I really wanted, so my biggest thing is to be in a good position, a good scheme, a good system and continuing my career. Hopefully, it works out.

Williams will still be looking for a big payday despite his statements but all signs point to the Texans having the upper hand in landing him as long as they don’t insult him with a low-ball offer.

Williams is a genuine guy and loves Houston. He seems more than willing to work with the organization as they balance their payroll budget between re-signing Williams and Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster.

If both guys demand max contracts, the Texans would unlikely be able to make the numbers work under the salary cap. In that case, Williams would unfortunately be the one they let go.

As great a player as he is, the Texans defense was phenomenal in 2011 despite him missing 11 regular season games. On the flip side, the offense is very dependent on Foster.

If Williams is serious about his situation mattering more than the money, he’ll work out something with the Texans and make their defense by far the best in the NFL.

The Texans have built their organization around high-character guys and Williams, if truthful about his intentions, is among the top.